Homelite 360 Chainsaw Owner's Manual

The Homelite 360 is a gas-powered chainsaw designed for general-purpose cutting, pruning, and limbing. It features a 36cc 2-stroke engine, an 18-inch guide bar, automatic chain oiling, a chain brake, anti-vibration system, and a manual fuel primer. This manual covers safety, assembly, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and specifications. Always read and understand this manual before operating the saw.

Features at a Glance

Key components: 36cc 2-stroke engine, 18-inch guide bar and chain, manual oil pump, chain brake, anti-vibration handles, throttle trigger lockout, and decompression valve.

Assembly & Preparation

Unpack and inspect all parts. Assemble on a clean, flat surface.

1. Attach guide bar and chain: Loosen bar nuts, position bar, loop chain over sprocket and bar, adjust tension, tighten nuts.
2. Fill fuel tank: Use fresh 50:1 gasoline/oil mixture (2-stroke oil).
3. Fill chain oil tank: Use bar and chain oil (not motor oil).
4. Check chain brake: Ensure it moves freely and engages properly.

WARNING! Wear cut-resistant gloves during assembly. Ensure chain is installed with cutting teeth facing forward on top of bar.

Safety Information

Always follow these safety rules to prevent serious injury or death.

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, cut-resistant chaps, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
2. Clear Work Area: Ensure no bystanders, pets, or obstacles within 15 feet.
3. Secure Workpiece: Never cut free-hand; support log on sawhorses or limbs.
4. Kickback Awareness: Keep firm grip, avoid tip contact, use chain brake.
5. Fuel Safety: Refuel outdoors, engine off and cool, wipe spills.

CAUTION! Never operate a chainsaw while tired, under the influence, or in poor weather conditions.

Specifications

• Model: Homelite 360
• Engine Displacement: 36 cc
• Power Output: 2.0 HP
• Max Engine Speed: 12,500 RPM
• Fuel Mix Ratio: 50:1 (Unleaded gasoline to 2-stroke oil)
• Bar Length Options: 16" or 18"
• Chain Type: Semi-chisel, .325" pitch, .058" gauge
• Sound Power Level: 112 dB(A)
• Warranty: 2-year limited warranty

Controls and Components

Familiarize yourself with all controls before starting.

Main Controls: Throttle trigger, throttle trigger lockout (must be depressed to engage throttle), stop switch (OFF/RUN), choke lever, primer bulb, decompression valve (press to ease starting), chain brake handle (front hand guard), manual oil pump button.

Maintenance Points: Air filter cover, spark plug, chain tensioning screw, bar nuts, fuel and oil caps.

Starting & Stopping Procedure

Always start on ground or solid surface, not on knee.

1. Cold Start: Set chain brake ON. Move stop switch to RUN. Pull choke out. Press primer bulb 5-6 times. Press decompression valve. Place saw on ground, foot in rear handle. Pull starter cord briskly until engine fires. Push choke in. Pull cord again to start. Let idle 30 seconds.
2. Warm Start: Follow above but do not use choke or primer.
3. Stopping: Release throttle, let idle briefly, move stop switch to OFF.

Tip: If engine floods, move switch to OFF, choke in, hold throttle wide open, pull starter 5-6 times to clear.

Operation & Cutting Techniques

Use proper stance: feet shoulder-width apart, firm grip.

1. Basic Cut: Let chain reach full speed before contacting wood. Use moderate pressure; let chain do the work.
2. Bucking (cutting fallen logs): Support log. Cut from top down. For pinched bar, stop, use wedge.
3. Limbing: Cut branches from bottom of tree working toward top. Beware of spring-back.
4. Kickback Prevention: Hold saw firmly, do not cut with tip, maintain chain sharpness and tension.
5. Manual Oiling: Press oil pump button periodically during cutting, especially in dry wood.

WARNING! Never operate above shoulder height. Be aware of falling limbs.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance ensures performance and longevity.

Chain Sharpening & Tensioning

A sharp, properly tensioned chain is critical for safety and performance.

1. Tensioning: Loosen bar nuts. Use adjustment screw to raise bar until chain fits snug against bar (can be pulled by hand but not sag). Tighten bar nuts. Re-check tension cold and after warming up.
2. Sharpening: Use round file matching chain pitch (.325"). File each cutter at original angle (typically 30°). Maintain equal length on all cutters. File depth gauges with flat file.

CAUTION! Always wear gloves. Secure bar when filing. Replace chain when cutters are worn beyond repair.

Storage Guidelines

Prepare saw for storage to prevent fuel system damage.

1. Drain fuel tank and run engine until it stops to clear carburetor.
2. Remove chain, clean in solvent, dry, and coat with oil.
3. Clean entire saw, especially cooling fins and air filter.
4. Store in dry, cool place, away from ignition sources.

CAUTION! Never store with fuel in tank for more than 30 days. Use fuel stabilizer if short-term storage is needed.

Troubleshooting

Service: For repairs beyond basic maintenance, contact authorized Homelite service center.

Support: 1-800-242-4672; www.homelite.com